Pages

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

The Ultimate Life...Colt Nichols.

Top racers spend their last years as amateurs trying to make a name for themselves and set up their future as a professional motocrosser.

Oklahoma's Colt Nichols was on track for just that as he became a part of "The Fantastic Four." Along with Cole Thompson, Justin Bogle and Cooper Webb, Thor MX labeled these kids as their amateur stars. As all turned pro and went their separate paths, Colt would test the professional ranks on many platforms.

Photo: Michael Flavell

Colt Nichols landed a ride with the powerhouse Arenacross team of Babbits/Monster Energy Kawasaki. Learning the ropes of professional racing didn't take to long as Nichols would win the Greensboro, NC round. He'd later take his talents to Costa Rica to race for the Pasion MX team and earn them the 2014 MX1 Championship. He'd then travel with that team to Peru for the Latin American Championships where Nichols would go 1-1 for that championship.

The 21 year old is now in his first full professional season and has found himself under the tent of the Motosport.com/GPI/Honda team. Racing the 250 East Championship, Nichols came out of round 1 in Dallas with an 11th in his first ever supercross. He'd soon learn the ups and downs of the sport when he qualified 6th fastest in Atlanta, but failed to make the main.

Making the best out of every experience is something Colt takes from fellow Oklahomans, team manager Guy Cooper and trainer Robbie Reynard. Colt has worked with Reynard for nearly 8 years and feels it betters him on and off the track. He has also meshed very well with new mechanic Kyle Frosch and Marshall Plum, who helps with suspension but has supported Colt on a personal level as well.

One of the best experiences of the season would come in Detroit. Celebrating his birthday, Colt qualified 12th fastest, where he'd go on to a 2nd in his heat race and a very strong ride to 6th in the main. These are results that put him where he feels he belongs. "I want to get a good start and actually ride to my potential in the main. If I do that, I feel like I could have some really good finishes." That is something Colt told me just days before Detroit and he went out and proved it.

Although the racing is what has gotten him to where he's at, Colt knows "the fans are what makes the sport what it is." He looked up to Guy Cooper and Kevin Windham as a kid. "I want to be a fan favorite." Signing autographs and fan interaction are things he looks forward to as a pro. "Looking in to the stands to see 50,000 people watching is such a cool feeling."

Colt Nichols is a guy with a lot of potential. He puts it all on the line each time he races and rides with so much heart and passion for not only the sport, but the fans. When you see the 986 machine, know he's out there riding for you.

Post a Comment

Race Tech

Spectro Oils

Suter Clutch

FXR Moto

Leatt

Dedicated Ride Co.

Fixate Designs

Magic Racing

Rockwell Time

Gamer Optics

Quick Info

Moto has been my life since I was about 5 years old. I've been working in the retail end of MX for about 15 years now and have been lucky enough to work for MxRider Magazine as well as work on projects with Nitro Circus, Nuclear Cowboyz, AMA, FELD, MX Sports and more. Brother of a privateer.